Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film and Television Limited 2013 for MASTERPIECE

Anyone expecting another Matthew Crawley-like send-off in this season’s finale will be disappointed. Instead, everyone’s in London for Lady Rose’s presentation and ball. Cora’s mother even makes the long journey from America, bringing the much-talked-about Harold (played by Paul Giamatti) with her.

Much time has elapsed since the last episode. Edith is back from her trip to Switzerland to deal with the business of her secret child. Even Ivy remarks at how tired Edith looks. “She goes away for eight months to Geneva and comes back looking more tired than when she left,” she says.

Meanwhile, we want to know what will happen to Bates (if he did indeed kill Green). When Anna gives one of her husband’s old coats for donation, Mrs. Hughes finds a ticket in one of the pockets indicating that Bates was in London the day of Green’s death. “If he was there to avenge his wife’s honor,” says Mrs. Bates to Mary, “I won’t condemn him for it.”

Later on when talking to Bates, Mary drops a knowing comment about what trouble one can get into in London. She later tells Mrs. Hughes she can’t keep it a secret any longer, because she believes it’s wrong to take a man’s life, no matter what.

Martha Levinson, Lady Grantham’s mother, arrives in London with her son, Harold, who shows up in a fur-collared coat and much swagger. “I haven’t felt the need to leave America,” he tells Edith upon meeting her for the first time. “And to be honest, I don’t feel the need to leave it now.” He strikes quite a stubborn tone, and when Edith suggests that it’s nice to try something new, he replies: “Maybe it is, and maybe it ain’t.”

When Cora suggests they came to Europe to put space between Harold and the Teapot Dome scandal, Harold tries to defend himself but is cut off by his mother. “We came three-and-a-half thousand miles so we could change the subject,” she says.

Meanwhile, Blake has made good on his promise not to give up on Mary, and has arranged a “date” with her at an art exhibition in London. They run into Lord Gillingham, Rose and Freda Dudley Ward, a historical figure who had an affair with Edward VIII. Sharp words are once again exchanged between Gillingham and Blake, including a reference to the “dog in the manger” fable. “A dog in the manger tries to protect a thing he has no use for,” says Gillingham. Mary extends a party invitation to both Blake and Dudley Ward.

At the event, gambling trickster Sampson shows up with Rosamund, much to Lord Grantham’s surprise. This can only mean trouble. Meanwhile, the Levinsons are introduced to Lord Aysgarth, Madeleine’s father, who initially takes no interest in them. His tune quickly changes when he learns from Sampson that the Levinsons are wealthy. Madeleine is soon chatting up Harold. Later that night, her father encourages the pair to dance. “I’m used to it—fathers wanting me to dance with their daughters,” says Harold bluntly.

Later on, the young ladies are giggling about secret letter Freda has received. And when Sampson’s offer to dance with Rose is cut short, he is left alone. His idle hands can’t resist the unattended bags on the table. Trouble on a national scale is brewing.

Lady Grantham accompanies Lady Rose for her presentation to the king.

Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film and Television Limited 2013 for MASTERPIECE

Rose is presented at court to the king, and even exchanges words with him when the prince mentions her father’s role in India. Rose speaks of the prince’s popularity there. “Yes, the prince is never short of popularity,” says the king, touching on his son’s playboy ways, as the prince’s smile fades.

After the presentation, Lord Aysgarth is chatting up Mrs. Levinson. “I’m not one of those Englishmen who hates New York,” he says. “But a great city can be a lonely place.” She seems to see through his charade, though. When he mentions Newport, she expresses skepticism when he doesn’t seem to be aware she has a cottage there.

“Your father’s paying a lot of attention to my mother,” says Harold to Madeleine from across the room. “You think we ought to tell him she only has an income for life?” When Madeleine looks a bit abashed at this talk of money, he carries on, saying that even though the English upper class don’t talk about money, they certainly think about it. Harold says they should tell Madeleine’s father about his mother’s income, before he’s in too deep. “When she dies, all the capital reverts to me.” Madeleine runs off looking shocked and embarrassed.

In another show of his bravado and naïveté, Harold decides to introduce himself to the prince and tries to shake his hand. An awkward exchange ensues. The encounter is cut short, and Harold laughs it off.

Harold Levinson and Madeleine Allsop

Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film and Television Limited 2013 for MASTERPIECE

Later on, Harold reveals to Madeleine that he has a lot of women flocking to him back in America, and none of them expects anything more than a diamond bracelet as a thank you. When the conversation turns a little tense, Harold reveals that he is fond of Madeleine—”more than any lady I have ever known.”

In a panic, Freda asks Rose if she took her secret letter as a prank. Rose realizes Sampson took it, and enlists Lord Grantham’s help. He wants to distract Sampson, and take the letter from his quarters. Lord Grantham summons Bates, who says he can find a forger who can copy Sampson’s handwriting (it turns out it’s Bates himself), so they can gain entry to his house.

Lord Grantham wants Mary to go to the house while he sets up a card game for Sampson. As the family expresses doubts about this plan—Mary wonders if one of the porters will call the police—Lord Grantham is enraged. He feels the entire affair is his family’s fault, because Rose mentioned the letter in Sampson’s presence, and he wants the dignity of the monarchy preserved.

The card game begins while Mary, Blake and Rose gain entry into Sampson’s quarters. But the search yields nothing. When Carson informs Bates of the situation, he volunteers to help the guests with their coats. He identifies Sampson’s coat, and finds the letter inside the breast pocket. Bates delivers the news and letter to a grateful Lord Grantham.

Mary now feels indebted to Bates. Anna says how loyal he is to the Crawleys. “And the family is loyal to him—to both of you,” says Mary. Afterward, she throws the London ticket stub into the fire, and we can assume she’ll do nothing more on the matter.

It’s finally the evening of Rose’s big ball, and the Prince of Wales, along with Freda, surprise guests by attending. No doubt grateful to the Crawleys for recovering the incriminating letter, the prince offers to open the ball by dancing with Rose.

Lord Aysgarth finally hears the word “no” from Mrs. Levinson, and she explains quite frankly that she doesn’t long for the days before the war. But she offers to invite him to Newport, where he can meet elderly women looking for a title.

Harold dances with Madeleine, and admits he’s not himself in London. Madeleine tells him that he’s kind, clever and much too modest. “I speak without guile because I know you’ve escaped my net,” she says. Has he?

Let battle commence.

Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film and Television Limited 2013 for MASTERPIECE

Mary dances the first number with Gillingham, as Blake looks on. Gillingham talks privately with Mary to see if her feelings have changed. “My destiny is to save Downton for George,” she says, “by spending every penny and every waking minute holding it together.” She admits that right after Matthew died, she thought she’d spend the rest of her life mourning him. But now she realizes she will have a life. Mary then explains that Charles is on the other side of that struggle, an outsider who resents the people she comes from. “Even if he loves me, how can we pull together as a team?” But apparently Mary doesn’t have the full story. Gillingham tells her that Charles is set to inherit the baronetcy of one of the largest estates in Ulster, through a relation that Charles has always tried to play down. “He is not an outsider,” says Gillingham. “In fact, he’s going to be a lot more eligible than I am.” The plot thickens.

Gillingham asks if this news makes a difference. “To know that he and I are on the same side—yes, it makes a difference,” says Mary. Gillingham has just done Blake a huge favor. When Mary asks Blake why he never told her, he says he hoped to win her over by just being himself. He appears not at all bothered that Mary’s interests are renewed now that he’s got a big inheritance (reminiscent of the Matthew inheritance). “So now, let battle commence?” he asks. “Let battle commence,” she says. It looks like Mary might be back in the game for real.

Thomas’s New Target: Branson

Thomas, who hasn’t done much this season, is still fishing around for news. He asks Daisy to pass on a message to Baxter down in London that he’s looking forward to listening to her stories. When he’s left alone with Branson at Downton, Thomas reveals his lingering frustration with Branson’s reversal of fortune—from chauffeur to “sir” for marrying Sybil. Thomas realizes Branson would still be below him in rank in the household, but now Thomas has to wait on him.

When Daisy delivers Thomas’s message to Baxter, she looks visibly uncomfortable, while Molesley witnesses her reaction. Thomas continues to apply pressure, and Molesley comes to her rescue. But Thomas later threatens her, saying Molesley can’t protect her, and that he doesn’t know what Thomas knows about Baxter.

But Molesley warns Baxter about getting involved with Thomas’s schemes. “Sometimes it’s better to take a risk than to go down the wrong path,” he says. Baxter later stands up to Thomas, and thanks Molesley for making her strong.

Branson runs into Sarah Bunting again, and invites her to dinner at the local pub. While they’re eating, Sarah asks if he’ll show her the house. Despite his reluctance, Branson gives Sarah a tour of Downton. He feels awkward showing her around with the family out of town. While they are viewing the gallery from upstairs, a threatening Thomas, lurking in the shadows, asks if he can help. Branson, looking incredibly guilty, says he was just taking Sarah home.

The next morning, it’s awkward times as Thomas stands at attention while Branson eats breakfast. The scene is particularly well done in highlighting the discomfort Branson has always felt with his changing rank. He addresses Thomas, who stands behind him, while seated—never looking him in the face. Thomas stands almost completely still, almost becoming a part of the background furniture. The camera alternates from a low-angle shot—with Thomas’s fist in the foreground—and switches to show a straight shot of Branson, looking uncomfortable, with Thomas in the background. “I like to keep an eye on things, sir,” says Thomas when Branson suggests he needn’t stay. Then Branson tries to explain the previous night’s events—attempting to sound strong, and yet also seeking to gain approval. “However you wish to command me, I am your servant, Mr. Branson,” says Thomas. “But I was not aware I was under orders as to what I might think.” The scene closes with another shot of Thomas’s fist, clenching, showing the immense tension underlying the conversation.

When it’s time for Branson to leave for London, Thomas tests how far he can push Branson with his inside information. Because of a large box that Ivy’s bringing along, Thomas says it will be too crowded for the servants to fit in the front. “If I were his lordship, would you ask to sit next to him?” asks Branson. Ivy suggests they tie her basket to the back, and Branson quickly agrees, much to Thomas’s dismay.

Thomas enacts his revenge later by informing Lord Grantham of Sarah’s visit, suggesting something lascivious might have gone on upstairs. “He can’t be expected to stay single the rest of his life,” says Thomas, touching a nerve with Lord Grantham, who no doubt still mourns the loss of Sybil.

Edith Takes Action

The Dowager Countess brings up the baby with her granddaughter, who insists on referring to her child as “she” instead of “it.” We learn that Edith did indeed give birth, and even weaned her child.

Edith confirms that the document she signed earlier gives her power of attorney for Michael. She will have to make some decisions, as an editor, for him. When Edith wonders what about their child, Rosamund reminds her that they no longer have a daughter—that she is now with Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder in Geneva. “There was no formal agreement,” says Edith, hinting that she could come back for the child if Michael were to turn up. When Rosamund says this wouldn’t be fair to the Schroeders, Edith says, “You’ve never been a mother.”

Edith has learned some news about Michael in Germany. He apparently got into a fight with a “gang of toughs” his first night in Munich. “They wear brown shirts and go around preaching the most horrible things,” says Edith. She is of course referring to the Sturmabteilung, or SA, also known as the “Brownshirts,” an early Nazi paramilitary group. It seems Michael took exception to what they were saying and got into trouble.

Edith wants to give half of the inheritance—should it come to that—to the baby. Rosamund disagrees, but suggests she do it anonymously. “If you’ll only keep silent, there’ll be other loves, other children,” she says.

At the ball, Edith finds some courage and tells her mother she’s going back to the continent. She heads back early to London and proposes her original plan to Drewe. He will write himself a letter saying a good friend has died and needs him to take care of their child. Drewe will raise the baby on the farm with his wife. Edith agrees to pay him, and says how comforting it is to know that there are a few good people left in the world. This is another dangerous scheme that could go dreadfully wrong for Edith in many ways.

A New Valet

Along with the Levinsons comes their wide-eyed, naive valet, Ethan Slade (who is somewhat reminiscent of Kenneth from “30 Rock”). He says his employers are looking for a new lady’s maid, and marvels at Daisy’s skills in the kitchen. Slade has no idea how the English servant system works, and tries to correct Carson when he addresses him as Levinson. Slade also tries to talk up his appetizers to guests at the party, and is promptly scolded by Carson.

Daisy gets a letter from Alfred, saying he’s finished his training and will work as an under chef at the Ritz. Slade takes an interest in Daisy, and even asks Carson in a “man to man” talk if there’s a romance between Alfred and Daisy.

Slade plans a picnic for the Levinsons and Lord Aysforth and his daughter, but Isobel and Violet decide to join. Mrs. Hughes suggests Jimmy can help out, and he reluctantly agrees. “Thank you Wat Tyler,” says Carson, referencing the peasant revolt leader. The picnic takes place in front of the Albert Memorial, which had to be engineered onto the screen (rather unconvincingly) to fit the era.

Slade reveals to Daisy that Harold wants her to come to America as his cook. Daisy ultimately turns him down, even though he reveals his ulterior motive of wanting to build a life with her there. Ivy, overhearing them, volunteers for the job. She is even willing to pay her fare if need be. Slade is doubtful (he clearly wanted Daisy), but agrees to it upon Daisy’s urging.

Lord Merton Pursues Isobel

Lord Merton surprises Isobel with a visit using the old “I was in the neighborhood” excuse. He wants to know if she’ll attend Rose’s ball, as that will give him an excuse to go, too. “I’m much duller and more serious than you seem to think,” says Isobel.

But Isobel has a change of heart and decides to attend the ball. She informs Lord Merton, who also plans on going. Isobel travels down to London with Violet, as Lord Merton sees them off.

At the ball, Lord Merton asks Isobel to dance. Could this be the man to win strong-willed Isobel?

Clash of the Great Dames

The Dowager Countess and Mrs. Levinson are not fond of each other, to say the least. After dropping slight insults at each other during the episode, they finally have it out during a hallway encounter. Martha says she turned Lord Aysgarth down because she has no wish to be a great lady. “A decision that must be reinforced whenever you look in the glass,” says Violet. “My world is coming nearer,” says Martha, “and your world—it’s slipping further and further away.”

A Seaside Trip

Mrs. Hughes and Carson enjoy a day at the beach.

Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film and Television Limited 2013 for MASTERPIECE

Lady Grantham thinks it will be nice for the staff to have some kind of fun outing thrown in during their trip. Carson comes up with some staid ideas, like a trip to the science museum, Westminster Abbey or the natural history museum. After many failed tries, Carson finally settles on a trip to the beach, to everyone’s elation.

The episode ends with Carson—finally letting loose and rolling up his trousers—walking with Mrs. Hughes into the surf. She offers him her support so he doesn’t lose balance in the waves, and they walk together holding hands.

Readers, what did you think of the season finale? Will Mary choose Blake, Gillingham, some other bloke—or no one? Is this the last we’ve seen of Harold, or will he be back for Madeleine? Will Branson pursue Sarah? And will Bates’s supposed secret remain buried in the past? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

About Speakeasy

Speakeasy is a blog covering media, entertainment, celebrity and the arts. The publication is produced by Barbara Chai and Jonathan Welsh with contributions from the Wall Street Journal staff and others. Write to us at speakeasy@wsj.com or follow us on Twitter at @WSJSpeakeasy or individually @barbarachai.